BY: Alexis Eichelberger

Rihanna released her eighth studio album Anti more than three years ago. Hailed as one of the Barbadian singer’s best works, it received a number of awards and nominations, and left us craving more of Rihanna’s signature sound.

Since Anti’s release, Rihanna has taken on a number of projects outside the music world. She debuted the wildly popular Fenty Beauty cosmetics line in September 2017 and her affordable and size-inclusive lingerie line Savage x Fenty the following year. She’s kept busy and kept the world waiting for new music.

Speculations have been made about the potential recording and release of a new Rihanna album, but nothing has been confirmed. While we continue to wait, here are our five favorite songs by the incomparable Rihanna.

“Pon de Replay” (2005)

Rihanna’s first major single put on her the scene and in the mainstream immediately. “Pon de Replay,” which appeared on her debut album Music of the Sun, is a fun and funky mix of hip-hop, a rock beat and a touch of her Caribbean roots. It perfectly set the stage for her individualistic and ingenious career. 

“Rehab” (2007)

“Rehab” is the perfect example of the quintessential early 2000’s R&B sound we love. It appeared on Rihanna’s third studio album Good Girl Gone Bad among a number of other RiRi classics like “Shut Up and Drive” and “Umbrella.” Though the album was released in 2007, a single version featuring Justin Timberlake was released the following year, which peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Hard (feat. Jeezy)” (2009)

Rihanna has always had a confidently sexy sound all her own, but her fourth album Rated R has an edgier feel than her previous work. “Hard” is an unapologetic anthem in which Rihanna makes it clear she knows she’s one of the hottest artists in the industry. Its strong rhythm and stronger lyrics perfectly capture Rihanna’s cool but rebellious persona.

“Birthday Cake” (2011)

One of Rihanna’s hottest songs, “Birthday Cake” is a song to get down to every day of the year. She ventured into sexier territory with songs like “S&M,” and this particular song from the album Talk That Talk is one of her hottest hits to date.

“Love On the Brain” (2016)

Among all the great works on Anti, one of the best and most underrated is “Love On the Brain.” It’s sweeter than other Rihanna hits, but just as sexy. Its classic, jazzy melody is sensual in all the best ways, and Rihanna’s vocals are at their very best.